Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 2, 2026
11:27
A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
7.8K
Beyond the obvious: pneumothorax masquerading as a cardiac emergency
Puteri Nur Athirah Megat Mohamad Aminuddin1, Mohd Jazman Che Rahim2,3, Mas Fazlin Mohamad Jailaini1
1Respiratory Unit, Faculty of Medicine Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Cheras, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
BMJ Case Reports
|March 31, 2026
Summary
This case report details a rare instance where a patient
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Atypical presentations of medical conditions can lead to diagnostic challenges in emergency settings.
- Pneumothorax, a condition involving air in the pleural space, can mimic cardiac emergencies.
- Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of pneumothorax presenting atypically with symptoms mimicking myocardial infarction.
- To emphasize the importance of comprehensive clinical assessment in differentiating cardiac and pulmonary emergencies.
- To highlight the role of point-of-care ultrasound in rapid diagnosis of pneumothorax.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 70-year-old female with hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and kyphoscoliosis presenting with chest pain and respiratory distress.
- Initial diagnostic workup included electrocardiogram (ECG) and focused echocardiography, suggesting myocardial infarction.
- Chest X-ray (CXR) revealed right-sided pneumothorax, leading to chest drain insertion and subsequent talc pleurodesis.
Main Results:
- Patient initially treated with fibrinolysis for suspected myocardial infarction due to limitations in percutaneous coronary intervention services.
- Symptoms, ECG changes (ST-segment elevation), and echocardiographic findings (septal hypokinesia) resolved after chest drain placement for pneumothorax.
- No recurrence of pneumothorax was observed on follow-up after talc pleurodesis.
Conclusions:
- Pneumothorax can present with symptoms that mimic acute myocardial infarction, leading to potential misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
- Comprehensive clinical evaluation, including lung point-of-care ultrasound, is vital for prompt diagnosis of pneumothorax in emergency situations.
- Early recognition and appropriate management of pneumothorax can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pneumothorax-I
2.0K
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
2.0K
01:27Pneumothorax-II
1.5K
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
1.5K
01:30Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
505
Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
505
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
1.2K
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
1.2K
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
528
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
528
01:22Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
998
Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned...
998